22：New Beginnings: Mastering the Sword and Overcoming Loss

Shen Hao smiled and said, "Do you think I'd be afraid of getting caught for spending several thousand on three swords just to play with them?"

The shopkeeper paused for a moment, then gave him a thumbs-up. "I see, you must have some connections."

"Do you want to pay by cash or scan the QR code?"

"Scan it."

Ding!

The sound of WeChat payment was music to the shopkeeper's ears, and he was overjoyed.

"Mr. Shen, come this way. I'll personally take care of the sharpening."

Led by the shopkeeper, Shen Hao walked into the workshop. Without wasting any time, the shopkeeper carefully began sharpening the swords.

The three swords were expensive, so the shopkeeper took extra care to sharpen them thoroughly. It took him a full three hours to finish.

Though he was drenched in sweat, the shopkeeper couldn't be happier. This sale had earned him a good profit.

The swords—"Taichu Sword," "Qinglian Sword," and "Shenfeng Sword"—were placed in elegant packaging and handed over to Shen Hao.

As Shen Hao was about to leave, the shopkeeper urgently warned him, "Mr. Shen, please don't take public transport. Security will definitely check you. It's best to drive or take a taxi."

"Thanks for the reminder, I know."

"Just so you know, once you leave, I won't be able to vouch for the swords being sharpened."

"Don't worry, you won't be implicated."

After leaving the shop, Shen Hao found a secluded spot and stored the three swords in his personal space.

Overall, the shopping experience had been very satisfying. He spent the night at a hotel and flew back home the next day.

Once back, he noticed the dust on the floor and furniture. He called for a cleaning service, spending 200 yuan to have the entire place cleaned.

Looking at his now spotless home, Shen Hao felt much better.

After resting for the night and having breakfast the next day, Shen Hao returned to Yangguan Town.

This time, he had the Qinglian Sword in hand.

With the sword in his grip, he couldn't help but try out his skills. He immediately performed the "Qingfeng Sword Technique," executing all twenty-two moves fluidly and seamlessly. Although his skills may not rival Zhao Chuang, the Chief Inspector, or the mysterious woman in black, Shen Hao was quite satisfied with his progress.

With his current abilities, he felt confident he could dominate in the real world.

Of course, Shen Hao wasn't foolish enough to challenge the country's power or try to become a righteous judge. No matter how strong he was, facing the state apparatus was like throwing an egg against a rock.

After practicing the sword technique, Shen Hao broke into a light sweat, feeling exhilarated.

"From today onward, I'm officially a swordsman," he thought, walking along, admiring the Qinglian Sword in his hand.

What man doesn't like swords?

As a child, Shen Hao could be thrilled for an entire day just by picking up a straight stick from the ground. Now, with a real sword, the excitement was even greater.

On his way back, Shen Hao used his lightness skill, "Light Falcon Shadow." Although Zhou Haihu had just barely entered the basics of the technique, Shen Hao was able to execute it far more smoothly and naturally, thanks to the purity of his internal energy.

"It's damn cool!" he thought, impressed with his newfound abilities. His body moved like flowing clouds and running water, and his mind was as clear as the moon and gentle as the breeze. He moved gracefully and swiftly, resembling a rabbit leaping through the air.

"Such beauty in an instant is eternal," he mused, recalling a famous line from the legend of Chu Liuxiang.

It seemed that, like Chu Liuxiang, Shen Hao was also becoming a master thief of sorts.

Because "Light Falcon Shadow" consumed a lot of energy, after running a few kilometers, Shen Hao switched to the lighter "Qingfeng Leaping Technique" from the Qingfeng Sword Method. It was slower but much less taxing.

According to Shen Hao's calculations, mastering "Light Falcon Shadow" required at least the innate realm. It was difficult to master it in the postnatal realm.

With his internal energy, Shen Hao was able to run at an impressive speed.

What would've taken five or six hours was covered in just under half an hour. He arrived at Yangguan Town, exhausted but satisfied.

Once back home, he was greeted by Song Yongci, who immediately embraced him, tears streaming down her face.

"Master, you're alright, right? I heard there's chaos outside," she cried, her voice filled with concern.

Shen Hao gave her a reassuring smile and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine. I went to deal with the bandits."

She quickly wiped her tears and checked Shen Hao's body. "Master, you aren't hurt, are you? You shouldn't do such dangerous things."

"Don't worry. My strength is far superior. A few small-time bandits are no match for me," Shen Hao said confidently.

"Master, please don't joke. You've made my heart race," Song Yongci said, trying to suppress her emotions.

Shen Hao touched her forehead and found that she didn't have a fever.

"Alright, I'm back safe. I won't take such risks again," he said, smiling.

"This world isn't safe, Master. You should still be cautious. Are you hungry? Let me make you something to eat," Song Yongci said.

Shen Hao shook his head, "Not right now. I brought some tonic medicine for you. Drink it."

Song Yongci felt deeply touched by Shen Hao's quiet care. "Master, you're so kind. I must have burned ten generations of incense in my past life to have the opportunity to serve you."

Shen Hao couldn't help but smile inwardly at her praise. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and said, "Your words are getting sweeter. Keep it up."

"It's because I'm with you, Master," Song Yongci replied softly, her voice filled with affection.

Five days passed quickly. Shen Hao stayed at home, practicing his sword techniques and lightness skills, familiarizing himself with his new abilities.

During these five days, Song Yongci had fully recovered and was more radiant than ever. Her beauty, especially her Jiangnan woman's charm combined with a classical aura, made Shen Hao feel incredibly lucky.

Song Yongci had blossomed into her most beautiful self, her pale complexion replaced by a healthy, rosy glow. Her eyes, which had once been full of sorrow, were now filled with warmth and affection whenever she looked at Shen Hao.

Today, Shen Hao had taken her to visit her father, Song Youli, to pay respects, marking the seventh day after his passing.

Returning home, Shen Hao sensed that Song Yongci was in a low mood. He gently took her hand, which was cold to the touch.

"Don't be sad, Yongci. Death is part of life. Your parents would want you to move forward and live a good life."

"Master, I know, but I can't help it. I'll never have family again... sob..." Song Yongci's tears flowed freely.

Shen Hao gently wrapped his arm around her waist, feeling the softness of her body, and reassured her, "Don't worry, as long as you're with me, you'll never be alone."

"Yes, to be your maid is my blessing from the past life," Song Yongci said through her tears, her voice trembling with emotion.

Shen Hao smiled and teased, "Then you'd better serve me well."

"Yes, Master."

After the visit, Shen Hao and Song Yongci returned to Yangguan Town.

On the way back, Song Yongci was still feeling down, as she now faced a future alone without her parents.

Back at the house, Song Yongci quickly resumed her role as a maid, cooking and cleaning.

Although her cooking was still a bit lacking, she was steadily improving. Shen Hao didn't mind. After all, she was doing her best.